Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea
Santiago, Torres del Paine, a 4-night cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, then El Calafate & Buenos Aires; optional Iguazú Falls extension
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | October 2025 – April 2026 | Group Size | 8 travelers max |
| Themes | Active, Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and climbing into and out of Zodiac boats and their landings. Because of this, and the cruise ship has no elevators requiring being able to climb up and down several flights of stairs, a high level of physical fitness is necessary to enjoy the trip entirely. The Patagonia cruise portion of the tour may have up to 210 passengers.Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
Check prices & book now
Get updates about this package
Explore amazingly diverse and fascinating Patagonia, a magnificent "off-the-beaten-path" region spanning portions of Chile and Argentina, where you'll find soaring mountains, windy plains that stretch endlessly toward the distant horizon, lush forests filled with ancient flora and fauna, and pristine glaciers. It is an enchanted voyage filled with contrast and beauty, excitement and adventure, and one that you will never forget.
Begin in Santiago, Chile's bustling capital, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the soaring Andes Mountains. After touring the city's highlights and tasting renowned Chilean wine at a vineyard, explore the snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and cascading rivers and waterfalls that call Torres del Paine National Park home.
Board your Patagonia cruise ship, the M/V Ventas Australis, at Punta Arenas and sail around the inlets and waterways of Tierra del Fuego and through the Straits of Magellan. The ship's fleet of Zodiac boats will whisk you to shore at various points along the way, and en route, enjoy fascinating presentations by the ship's naturalist-guides, all of whom are involved in the study of Patagonia and its natural treasures as well as its preservation.
After admiring the slow-moving Perito Moreno Glacier and exploring El Calafate, your journey comes to an end in Buenos Aires, the beautiful and diverse capital city of Argentina, where a rich history and culture, world-class cuisine, and spirited nightlife make this one of the world's most exciting destinations.
You don't want to miss this extraordinary opportunity! Your ship provides all the modern comforts you'll need or want during your expedition. Delicious and bountiful meals are served three times daily in the ship's dining room, encircled by huge picture windows so you don't miss a single view. Hot beverages, snacks, and even wine and other alcoholic beverages are served, free of charge, each day.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip Flights from Miami to Santiago and Buenos Aires to Miami, including taxes & fees
- All intra-South America flights
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 8 nights accommodation in first class hotels
- 4 nights cruise aboard M/V Ventus Australis
- 27 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
- English-speaking local guides
- Expedition specialist on board the cruise
- Port taxes and national park fees
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional post-tour extension to Iguazu
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy 4 nights cruise through one of the most remote corners of planet Earth aboard the M/V Ventus Australis.
- Explore Santiago on a guided tour, including San Cristobal Hill, Plaza Constitución, the Palacio de la Moneda, and Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina.
- Visit a well-known Chilean winery and discover the art of winemaking as you indulge in tastings.
- Wander Torres del Paine National Park and its snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and cascading rivers and waterfalls.
- Pass through "Silla del Diablo" and explore Milodón Caves, a natural monument composed of several caves.
- Hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest.
- Visit the Tuckers Islets and see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs.
- Admire the breathtaking views of Pía Glacier before navigating under the "Glacier Alley".
- Enjoy the unique diversity of Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city that was once a penal colony.
- Embark on a Perito Moreno glacier tour and admire the slow-moving ice mass.
- Discover Patagonia's natural history and geology at El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center.
- Explore the ancient Walichu Caves and marvel at the intricate cave paintings.
- Tour Buenos Aires, including the historic Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, Avenue 9 de Julio, and more.
- Indulge in a dinner paired with an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile
- 3 Santiago, Chile
- 4 Punta Arenas & Torres del Paine
- 5 Torres del Paine
- 6 Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
- 7 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
- 8 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
- 9 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- 10 Disembarkation, Ushuaia & El Calafate
- 11 El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
- 12 El Calafate & Buenos Aires
- 13 Buenos Aires
- 14 Buenos Aires & Return to USA
- Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district , $115
Iguazú Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension
- 14 Buenos Aires
- Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district , $105
- 15 Buenos Aires & Puerto Iguazú
- 16 Iguazú Falls
- 17 Depart Iguazú & Return to USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your journey begins this evening as you depart from the USA
Day 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile
- Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
- Take a cable car ride up San Cristobal Hill to see the Santiago skyline
- See the urban area of Vitacura and visit Bicentenario Park
- Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 3 Santiago, Chile
- Explore the colonial district of Santiago
- Visit the bustling Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina
- Sip local wines during a tasting at Santa Rita Vineyard
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura or similarBreakfast
Day 4 Punta Arenas & Torres del Paine
- Board your flight to Punta Arenas
- Upon arrival, transfer to Torres del Paine
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 Torres del Paine
- Enjoy a full-day tour of Torres del Paine
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia or similarBreakfast
Day 6 Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
- Explore the natural Milodón Caves
- Transfer to Punta Arenas pier
- Embark on the M/V Ventas Australis cruise ship
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner
- Sail through the mythical Straits of Magellan
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
- Discover the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay
- Visit the Tuckers Islets, home to Magellanic penguins
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
- Disembark at Pía Glacier via Zodiacs
- Hike to reach a panoramic view of Pía Glacier
- Enjoy an evening sail through Glacier Alley
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- Disembark in Cape Horn National Park
- Explore the fabled Wulaia Bay
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10 Disembarkation, Ushuaia & El Calafate
- Sail to the port of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
- Visit the Ushuaia Maritime Museum
- Board your flight to El Calafate
- Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel
Mirador del Lago or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 11 El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
- Enjoy the Perito Moreno glacier tour
- Sail along Lago Argentino for a close-up look at Perito Moreno Glacier
Mirador del Lago or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 12 El Calafate & Buenos Aires
- Visit El Calafate's 20th-century old town
- Venture into the ancient Walichu Caves
- Board your flight to Buenos Aires
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 13 Buenos Aires
- Explore Buenos Aires, including the Plaza de Mayo and La Boca districts
- Enjoy an exciting tango dinner show
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 14 Buenos Aires & Return to USA
- Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration, or join an optional tour
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving tomorrow morning
Breakfast
This tour involves some hiking and walking, and as the ship does not have an elevator aboard, you must be able to walk up and down several flights of stairs. Patagonia is a wild, rugged region, and our tour package is designed to get you up close and personal with the glaciers, terrain, wildlife and people of this area. While the cruise and shore excursions are not particularly strenuous and are suitable for most people, they do involve uphill walking, hiking, and traveling in a zodiac boat. Travelers who have certain physical limitations may find that they cannot fully participate in the tour program aboard the cruise. All passengers boarding the Australis cruise will be required to sign a disclaimer during check-in. Please review this disclaimer in advance to be certain you accept the terms, and contact us if you have any questions.
Iguazú Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension
Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Iguazú Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 14 Buenos Aires
- Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration, or join an optional tour
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 15 Buenos Aires & Puerto Iguazú
- Board your flight to Puerto Iguazú
- Transfer to Foz do Iguazú
- Arrive to your hotel for check-in
Loi Suites Iguazú or similarBreakfast
Day 16 Iguazú Falls
- Tour the Argentinean side of the waterfalls
- Admire the impressive Devil's Throat
- Spend the afternoon at leisure, or an optional boat ride on Iguazú River
Loi Suites Iguazú or similarBreakfast
Day 17 Depart Iguazú & Return to USA
- Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires
- Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving tomorrow morning
Breakfast
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.
No reviews yet! Check back soon to see what our travelers are saying.
Traveled with us, but haven't received an invitation to review your trip? Contact us at reviews@friendlyplanet.com.
Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Argentina?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Brazil?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Chile?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Patagonia?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
Other Packages
Highlights of Brazil, Argentina & Chile: Vibrant rhythms of Rio, powerful Iguazú Falls, charming Buenos Aires, Bariloche’s scenic landscapes & cultural Santiago. Optional extension to Easter Island
From
$6899W/ Flights
From
$6199Tour Only
Days
